Dean tried to imagine for a second the possibility of himself reaching an older age down the line without getting killed first, and both Claires still looking exactly the way they did now. Sam would sure as hell come out looking creepy in that equation. He wished it could be a funnier hypothetical situation.

Once again, his need for validation caused his heart to squeeze with pride a bit when she assured him he was a "good son", and he tried to pretend it didn't affect him, but his fingers tightened a bit more through hers.

"Dad came back," he said quietly. "I don't know though. The way things were up there, I don't think it's likely." The truth was he didn't want to get his hopes up. There was no point.

"Plus, I wouldn't want her to have to take care of me, Claire. I can take care of myself." There was a hint of annoyance there, though he obviously didn't mean it.